Building elements

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a building element which is a stud ( 10 ) having a number of channels ( 12 ). Each channel can receive a cooperating means ( 14 ) which can be used to mount a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining clip ( 16 ) which can be connected to a panel or bracket. The joining clip includes the cooperating means ( 14 ) for mounting a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining element ( 42 ) which can connect one panel to another. The joining element is hinged ( 46 ). The invention also discloses two types of bracket for mounting in the stud. The first type has a screw-threaded shaft ( 71 ) and a sleeve ( 72 ) with cooperating means ( 73 ) at one end of the sleeve. The cooperating means is shaped so that it can be inserted horizontally in a channel of the stud and rotated so that the cooperating means cannot be withdrawn horizontally from the channel. The bracket may thereafter be locked into position in the channel. The second type of bracket has two arms ( 81, 82 ) at an angle to each other ( 83 ). Cooperating means ( 84 ) are located at one end of one arm ( 81 ). The cooperating means is shaped so that it can be inserted horizontally in a channel of the stud and rotated so that the cooperating means cannot be withdrawn horizontally from the channel. The one arm of the bracket may thereafter be pushed into position in the channel. A track ( 60 ) is adapted to be hung from a horizontal surface ( 61 ), the track having a gutter ( 59 ) adapted to receive a connecting clip ( 63 ) attached to an end of a panel ( 18 ), the track also having a channel ( 59 ) adapted to receive a masking clip ( 64 ) adapted to conceal the end of the channel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the construction industry; more particularly,this invention relates to certain building elements useful inconstruction, especially for the building of internal walls andpartitions, although the invention is not necessary limited to thisapplication.

BACKGROUND ART

For many years it has been the normal practice in the constructionindustry to construct internal walls from plasterboard, attached towooden or metal studs. To install plasterboard walls with an acceptablysmooth finish, and to set the joints between adjacent plasterboardpanels, it is necessary to employ skilled plasterboard “setters”. Thisnot only increases costs, but influences the building timetable; toachieve maximum efficiency, a building should be prepared to the stagewhere all plasterboard walls can be installed at one time, so that thesetters are on site for the minimum time necessary. A significant costdrawback is the fact that it is unavoidable that this work must becarried out on site.

Once the plasterboard walls have been installed, they need to be sandedbefore being painted. The sanding procedure creates a significant amountof gypsum dust, with a consequent effect on all articles and material onthe site. Moreover, because it is necessary to paint plasterboard, thecost of painting is a significant part of building.

Should it become necessary to repair a plasterboard wall, if aprofessional finish is required, it is necessary to call in aplasterboard setter and to endure the dust created during the sandingprocedure. In addition, it is necessary to repaint the wall afterrepair.

There is a further problem associated with plasterboard walls, whicharises during demolition. Demolition of internal plasterboard walls isfrequently necessary in commercial buildings, for example, when a tenantleaves the building. Demolition of plasterboard walls is usually alsonecessary during refurbishment. Plasterboard walls cannot be dismantledwithout substantial damage to the plasterboard, to the extent that theplasterboard is not reusable. Even more significantly, substantialgypsum dust is created. It is believed that the inhalation of gypsumdust may have a deleterious effect on health. Consequently, in somejurisdictions, safe work practices require that adjacent areas areevacuated during the demolition of plasterboard walls. This can resultin loss of rent for a landlord and interruption of business and loss ofprofits for a tenant.

After plasterboard walls have been demolished, the plasterboard has a“negative” value in that it is necessary to pay for its removal anddisposal. Plasterboard and its framing is not recyclable on an economicbasis. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a constructionsystem which can avoid the use of plasterboard panels and hence thedifficulty and cost involved in construction, repair and demolitioninvolving plasterboard panels.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a building systemwhich can permit wall panels to be reusable.

It is a further object to provide, in one aspect of the invention, asystem which can use wall panels already finished in the factory, sothat painting on site is not required.

When wall panels, plasterboard or otherwise, are transported to abuilding site, damage frequently occurs. In many cases, the damage isrelatively minor, and one side of the panel is usable.

It is an object of this invention, in one aspect, to provide a buildingelement which will permit a panel to be erected with either sideoutermost.

During occupation of buildings, damage is occasionally caused to wallpanels. Rather than obtain a replacement panel, it would be desirable tobe able to detach the panel and reverse it so that the damaged side isconcealed in the wall cavity. This invention, in one aspect, aims toprovide that capability.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a buildingsystem which can be integrated with furniture, especially officefurniture, such as work stations.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, this invention provides a building element being a stud,the stud having a first set of channels and a second set of channels,each channel in each set being adapted to receive a cooperating meansfor the purpose of mounting a panel or bracket on the stud,characterised in that the first set of channels is parallel to andspaced from the second set of channels.

Preferably, each set of channels has three longitudinal channels.Further, it is preferred that the first set of channels is spaced fromthe second set of channels by a single web.

The cross-sectional shape of each channel can be determined by the wayin which it is intended to receive the cooperating means. In onepreferred embodiment, rather than being “U” shaped, it is preferred thateach channel is formed with return rims, so that the channel is “C”shaped in cross-section; however, it is greatly preferred that the baseof the channel is flat.

The stud may be manufactured from any suitable material; it has beenfound that aluminium is acceptable, and has the added advantage thataluminium is recyclable. However, the stud may be made from othermaterials.

The co-operating means for mounting panels or brackets to the stud ispreferably a joining clip, which is also novel.

Consequently, this invention also provides a building element being ajoining clip adapted to mount a panel or bracket to the stud of theinvention, wherein the joining clip includes the cooperating means andalso includes means for connecting the joining clip to the panel orbracket, characterised in that the cooperating means include a pair ofresilient arms.

In a preferred embodiment, the joining clip is made of plastic such apolyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other suitable material. If desired, thejoining clip may have parts of varying resiliency, formed for example bymulti-moulding.

Certain preferred configurations of the cooperating means areillustrated in the accompanying drawings, but the invention is notnecessarily limited to these configurations.

As will be seen from the examples in the drawings, the joining clip canperform the function of providing a neat finish to the ends of panels.The clip preferably extends along the length of an edge of each panelfor this reason and also to provide maximum strength and stability tothe assembled wall.

The means for connecting the clip to a panel may follow, inter alia,either of two methods of construction. In the first method, the panelmay be provided with a longitudinal groove in at least one edge(preferably also in the edge opposite the first), in which case thejoining clip may have a protrusion, especially a saw-toothed protrusion,which is a push-fit into the groove. This method is illustrated in thedrawings. In the second method, the panel end is tapered or shaped tofit within a complementary channel formed in the joining clip. In bothcases, it is intended that the material of the clip and the close fitwith the panel provides a stable arrangement under normal conditions,but that the use of appropriate force will separate the clip from thepanel when required, for example, so that the panel can be reversed.

It is to be understood, however, that it is not an essential part ofthis invention that the joining clip can be removed from the panel,bracket or the like. In some applications, for example, in wet areas,the panel may be waterproof on one side only and there will be no needto be able to strip the joining piece from the panel.

In addition, the means for connecting the joining clip to a panel may beadhesive, or other suitable means.

In the case of panels around internal or external corners, a new joiningelement has been devised, which also forms part of the presentinvention. The joining element of the invention is adapted to annex afirst panel to a second panel, each of the first and second panelshaving a pair of opposing faces surrounded by edges, the joining elementhaving first means for connecting the joining element to the firstpanel, second means for connecting the joining element to the secondpanel and hinge means located between the first and second connectionmeans, the hinge means comprising a resilient bridge, characterised inthat the first connecting means is adapted to connect the joiningelement to the first panel via an edge of the first panel and the secondconnecting means is adapted to connect the joining element to the secondpanel via and edge of the second panel.

The connection means may be any of those described in relation to thejoining clip, or any other suitable means.

The joining element may also perform the function of providing a neatand functional finish to the ends of panels, like the joining clip. Thejoining element preferably extends along the length of each panel endfor this reason and can also provide maximum strength and stability tothe assembled wall.

As indicated, a channel of the stud of the invention may be adapted toreceive a cooperating means for the purpose of mounting a bracket,rather than a panel, on the stud. The bracket in turn may serve toconnect furniture or panels to the stud, or may be used for otherpurposes.

Preferably, the bracket to be used in this context takes one of twoforms. Both are provided by this invention.

Accordingly, this invention provides in one form a bracket for mountingon the building element, being a stud, of the present invention, thebracket comprising a screw-threaded shaft and a sleeve therefor, thesleeve having at one end a cooperating means adapted to be inserted in achannel of the stud, the channel having first and second ends, whereinthe cooperating means is shaped so as to be capable of insertion in thechannel at any location between the first and second ends and capable ofmanipulation to a position where the cooperating means cannot bewithdrawn from the channel except at the first or second end, andwherein screwing of the shaft within the sleeve in a direction towardsthe channel is adapted to lock the bracket in the channel.

Preferably, the channel of the stud is “C” shaped in cross-section,except that it has a flat base. In this context, the cooperating meansis preferably generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape, exceptthat one pair of opposing corners of the rectangle are cut off or onecorner is rounded off.

The longer dimension of the rectangle complements the width of the baseof the channel. The shorter dimension of the rectangle enables thecooperating means to be inserted in the channel between the upstandingarms and flanges forming the channel with the base. Rotation of thecooperating means through 90 degrees, so that the longer dimension ofthe rectangle lies transversely to the length of the channel preventswithdrawal of the bracket from the channel. The cut-off corners (or thesingle rounded off corner) of the rectangle permit this rotation to takeplace. The bracket may then be locked into position in the channel byscrewing the shaft in a direction towards the base of the channel.

In another form, this invention provides a bracket for mounting on thebuilding element, being a stud, of the present invention, the bracketcomprising a shaft having first and second arms forming an angle betweenthem, the first arm having at one end a cooperating means adapted to beinserted in a channel of the stud, the channel having first and secondends, wherein the cooperating means is shaped so as to be capable ofinsertion in the channel at any location between the first and secondends and capable of manipulation to a position where the cooperatingmeans cannot be withdrawn from the channel except at the first or secondend, and wherein the first arm is adapted to fit substantially withinthe channel.

With this form of the bracket, it is also preferred that the channel ofthe stud is “C” shaped in cross-section, except that it has a flat base.In this context, the cooperating means is preferably generallyrectangular in cross-sectional shape, except that one corner of therectangle is rounded off. The longer dimension of the rectanglecomplements the width of the base of the channel. The shorter dimensionof the rectangle enables the cooperating means to be inserted in thechannel between the upstanding arms and flanges forming the channel withthe base. Rotation of the cooperating means through 90 degrees, so thatthe longer dimension of the rectangle lies transversely to the length ofthe channel prevents withdrawal of the bracket from the channel. Therounded off corner of the rectangle permits this rotation to take place.As an alternative to rounding off a corner, a pair of opposing cornersmay be cut off, as in the case of the first embodiment of the bracketdescribed above.

In order to permit the first arm to lie substantially within thechannel, it is preferred that the cooperating means is curved in thelongitudinal direction as shown in the drawings. The first arm may alsohave an O-ring of rubber or other resilient material to assist a tightfit of the first arm in the channel.

When the first arm lies substantially within the channel and a force isexerted on the second arm, in a direction away from the first arm, thebracket in this embodiment locks into the channel.

It will be appreciated that, with either form of the bracket of theinvention, items such as furniture may be hung from the stud.

The brackets of the invention have substantial advantages over prior artbrackets, because they may be inserted in a channel of the stud at anypoint along its length, whereas prior art brackets must enter a channelat one end thereof. This creates problems in changing furniture, forexample. In addition, using the brackets of the present invention, it ispossible to insert new brackets above or below existing brackets withouthaving to remove the existing brackets from the channel. Further,removal of any bracket is a simple task, in contrast to the prior art.

The present invention also provides a ceiling track which may be used inconjunction with the building elements of the present invention.Accordingly, this invention provides a track adapted to be hung from ahorizontal surface, the track having a gutter adapted to receive aconnecting clip attached to an end of a panel, a channel adapted toreceive a masking clip adapted to conceal the end of the panel, and aflat portion for attachment to the horizontal surface, characterised inthat the channel is located closer to the flat portion than the gutter.

The horizontal surface may be a ceiling or a beam or joist, for example.The track of the invention may be hung from the horizontal surface byany suitable means, such as by screws, nails or other fixing means.

The connecting clip preferably is shaped to complement the shape of thegutter. The connecting clip may be attached to the end of the panel byany desired method, an example of which is gluing.

The channel adapted to receive the masking clip is preferably shaped soas to provide a good friction fit with the clip.

Preferably, the track of the invention has two gutters and two channelsadapted to receive masking clips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of the stud of the invention withwall panels affixed and one version of the joining clip of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the stud of the invention,showing a second version of the joining clip of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional plan view of the stud of the invention,showing a third version of the joining clip of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a detail of the joining clip of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth version of the joining clip of theinvention;

FIG. 6 shows in cross-sectional plan view the joining clip of FIG. 5 inconjunction with the stud of the invention (in slightly modified form);

FIG. 7 illustrates a fifth version of the joining clip of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional plan view of the stud of the invention(as per FIG. 6), in conjunction with the joining clip of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a sixth version of the joining clip of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows in cross-sectional plan view the stud of FIG. 6 inconjunction with the joining clip of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows detail of a cover trim;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional plan view of the stud of FIG. 6,illustrating the use of the joining clip of FIG. 7 as well as a seventhversion of the joining clip of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional plan view of the stud of FIG. 6,illustrating the use of the joining clip of FIG. 7, and showing how thegap between panels may be treated;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional plan view of the stud of FIG. 6,illustrating the use of the joining clip of FIG. 7, showing a differenttreatment of the gap between panels;

FIG. 15 shows how wall panels can be integrated with a glass panel,using a suitably shaped decorative extrusion, the joining clip beingsimilar to that in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15, except that the joining clip is that inFIG. 2;

FIG. 17 shows integration of the wall panels with a door, once again,using a suitable decorative extrusion;

FIG. 18 illustrates in cross-section an assembly of the stud and joiningclips of the invention at a corner and including a glass panel;

FIG. 19 illustrates in cross-section an assembly of the stud and joiningclips of the invention at a wall end and including two glass panels;

FIG. 20 shows an assembly including door jambs;

FIG. 21 is a vertical section of a door top, showing how the track ofthe invention may be utilised as a lintel;

FIG. 22 shows one embodiment of the joining element of the invention,

FIG. 23 shows in cross-sectional plan view the joining element of FIG.22 joining panels around an external corner;

FIG. 24 shows a second embodiment of the joining element of theinvention;

FIG. 25 shows in cross-sectional plan view the joining element of FIG.24, joining panels around an internal corner;

FIG. 26 shows in vertical section the track of the invention used tohang panels, with masking clips top and bottom;

FIG. 27 is similar to FIG. 26, except that the masking clip at thebottom of the panels is different;

FIG. 28 is a side elevation of one form of a bracket according to theinvention;

FIG. 29 is a plan view, in direction A, of the bracket of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 shows a plan view of the bracket of FIG. 28, in direction B,after initial insertion in a channel of the stud of the invention;

FIG. 31 shows a plan view of the bracket of FIG. 28, in direction B,locked into a channel of the stud of the invention;

FIG. 32 is a side elevation of a second form of bracket according to theinvention;

FIG. 33 is an end view of the bracket of FIG. 32, in direction C;

FIG. 34 is a top view of the head of the bracket in FIG. 32; and

FIG. 35 shows the bracket of FIG. 32 locked into a channel of a stud ofthe invention.

In the drawings, especially FIGS. 1 to 3, stud 10 has two sets of threeidentical channels 12, each being “C” shaped, but with a flat base 13.Channels 12 are shaped so that each cooperating means 14 on joining clip16, with relatively resilient arms 14 a and 14 b (refer FIG. 4), forms ahermetic seal when pushed into channel 12.

In FIG. 1, clip 16 is attached to panel 18 by gluing or other suitablemeans. In FIG. 2, however, clip 16 is attached to panel 18 by pushingprotrusion 20 into groove 22 in panel 18. Extension 24 on clip 16 closesoff gap 28 between panels 18. Extension 24 may be of a softer materialthan the rest of clip 16.

Leg 30 on clip 16 (see FIG. 3, for example) serves to space panel 18from stud 10.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, joining clip 116 has, as well as protrusion 20 andextension 28, cooperating means 15 with angled arm portions 15 a and 15b, designed to clip into channel 12, as seen in FIG. 6.

The joining clip 216 in FIGS. 7 and 8 is similar to clip 16 in FIG. 1,in that it is attached to panels 18 by gluing along surfaces 17.However, clip 216 in FIG. 7 has the same cooperating means 15 as clip116 in FIG. 5.

The joining clip 316 in FIGS. 9 and 10 is particularly suitable forimparting a finished appearance to abutting panels 18 and can provideadded stability through extension 19. Cooperating means 15 is the sameas that in FIGS. 5 and 7.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show trim 21 with extension 25 which works withextension 24 on clip 116 (see FIG. 12) to close off gap 29 between panel18 and extrusion 32. In addition, trim 21 fits into gap 31 of decorativeextrusion 32.

FIG. 13 details how base 13 of centre channel 12 may be painted; base 13can be seen between panels 18 and its painted colour may tone orcontrast with that of panels 18.

FIG. 14 shows the insertion of a moulding 23 in the gap between panels18.

In FIGS. 15 and 16, decorative extrusion 32 neatly ends the wall systemand provides a fixing facility for glass panel 34.

FIG. 17 shows door 36 integrated with the wall system of the inventionbut includes extrusion 38 which carries a channel 40 for a felt (notshown) or other insulating strip.

In FIG. 18, panels 18 form a wall end with end panel 54. It will benoted in this drawing that clips 216 are offset relative to each other;this illustrates the versatility of the stud of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows merely one arrangement of wall end and glass panels 34.

FIG. 20 illustrates how door 36 may be mounted between walls using thesystem of the invention. Felt 62 is shown in channel 40 of extrusion 38.

FIG. 21 shows how the same extrusion 38 may be used to provide a rest atthe top of door 36, in the form of felt or rubber 62 in channel 40.Track 60 is attached to ceiling 61 and also secures extrusion 38 andprovides a mount for masking clips 64. Each masking clip 64 has an arm58 which is a push fit into channel 57 in track 60.

In FIGS. 22 and 23, joining element 42 has protrusions 20 which fit intogrooves 22 of panels 18. Joining element 42 permits panels 18 to form anexternal corner, so that faces 43 and 44 provide a neat finishedappearance.

Hinge 46 connects faces 43. Because hinge 46 is resilient, it allowspanels 18 to adopt a configuration that is other than 90 degrees. Thisis useful to form both normal corners and unusual angles; even normalcorners are rarely at exactly 90 degrees, and the joining element of theinvention accommodates this discrepancy.

In FIGS. 24 and 25, joining element 50 has protrusions 20 which fit intogrooves or channels 22 in panels 18, which can form an external corner.Hinge 52 connects faces 53. In the external corner formed, hinge 52provides a neat finished appearance.

FIG. 26 shows the same track 60 as in FIG. 21, but this time panels 18are supported by track 60, by hooking protrusions 63 into gutters 59.The top ends 26 of panels 18 are covered by masking clips 64, with arms58 push-fitted into channels 57.

The lower ends 27 of panels 18 are also covered by masking clips 64,arms 58 of which are a push-fit into channels 56 of track 51. Track 51is attached to floor 55.

FIG. 27 has the same top arrangement as that in FIG. 26. However, thearrangement at the lower ends 27 of panels 18 is different, in thatinstead of masking clips 64, skirting extrusion 65 is attached to panels18, either by gluing on surface 66 or by screwing through notch 67.

Turning now to FIGS. 28 to 31, bracket 70 is made of metal or othersuitable material or combinations of material, and has shaft 71 insertedin sleeve 72. Shaft 71 is screw threaded for all or the lower part ofits length contained within sleeve 72. Shaft 71 has a screw head 74containing a slot 75 to accept the blade of a screwdriver or othersuitable tool.

Sleeve 72 has at one end cooperating means 73 and at the other end aflange 76. As may be seen in FIG. 29, cooperating means 73 is shaped inend view to resemble a rectangle except that one pair of opposingcorners is cut off (refer 77 and 78). Flange 76 has the samecross-sectional shape as cooperating means 73.

As can be seen in FIG. 30, cooperating means 73 can be insertedhorizontally into channel 12 of a stud 10, and then rotated through 90degrees to be retained in channel 12 as shown in FIG. 31. Screwing ofshaft 71 towards base 13 of channel 12 (by using a blade inserted inslot 75) will lock bracket 70 into channel 12. Furniture components orother items, including panels, may then be attached to shaft 71, asdesired.

The cross-sectional shape of flange 76 echoes that of cooperating means73, so that the orientation of cooperating means in channel 12 can beascertained.

Turning now to FIGS. 32 to 35, metal bracket 80 has two arms, 81 and 82,forming between them a right angle 83. Arm 81 has cooperating means 84.Arm 82 has screw threaded extension 85, for attaching furniturecomponents or other building components, as desired.

O-ring 86 mounted on arm 81 helps to ensure a snug fit of arm 81 withinchannel 12 (refer FIG. 35).

Cooperating means 84 is generally rectangular in shape, except that onecorner is rounded off at 87. The purpose this is so that cooperatingmeans 84 may be inserted in channel 12 of a stud 10, in a similar mannerto cooperating means 73 of bracket 70, then rotated horizontally through90 degrees with the assistance of rounded off corner 87, trappingbracket 80 in channel 12. Bracket 80 may then be rotated verticallythrough 90 degrees, so that arm 81 is caused to lie substantially withinchannel 12, o-ring 86 serving to wedge arm 81 in this position.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that a load placed onarm 82 will enhance the locking of bracket 80 in channel 12.

It will be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art thatcooperating means 14 in the embodiment shown in some of the drawings(such as FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) has the considerable advantage of sealingpanel 18 hermetically, for the length of the panel 18. This means thatthe system of the invention can provide substantial insulation againsttransmission of noise and the conductivity of heat and cold. There arealso obvious advantages in dealing with “wet” areas, such as bathrooms.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The building elements, brackets and track of the invention are clearly asubstantial advance in the art. The examples referred to herein areillustrative and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A building element comprising: a first set ofchannels and a second set of channels, each channel in each set beingadapted to receive a cooperating means for mounting a panel or abracket, characterized in that the first set of channels is parallel toand spaced from the second set of channels; and a joining clip adaptedto mount the panel or the bracket to the building element wherein thejoining clip includes the cooperating means and also includes means forconnecting the joining clip to the panel or the bracket, wherein thecooperating means include a pair of resilient arms.
 2. The buildingelement of claim 1, wherein the joining clip is made of a plasticmaterial.
 3. The building element of claim 1, wherein the joining cliphas parts of varying resiliency.
 4. The building element of claim 1,wherein the joining clip is adapted to mount the panel to the buildingelement, the panel comprising a longitudinal groove in an edge thereofand the connecting means of the joining clip comprises a protrusionadapted to fit closely within the groove.
 5. The building element ofclaim 4, wherein the protrusion is saw-toothed.
 6. The building elementof claim 4, wherein the longitudinal groove extends for substantiallythe whole length of the edge of the panel and the connecting means ofthe joining clip substantially fills the length of the groove.
 7. Thebuilding element of claim 1, wherein the joining clip is adapted tomount the panel to the building element, the connecting means of thejoining clip comprises a groove and the panel has an edge of acomplementary shape to, and adapted to fit closely within, the groove.8. The building element of claim 7, wherein the panel has a taperededge.
 9. The building element of claim 7, wherein the groove embracessubstantially the whole length of the edge of the panel.
 10. Thebuilding element of claim 4, wherein after assembly of the connectingmeans and the panel, the exertion of appropriate force is capable ofseparating the panel and the connecting means without damage to thejoining clip or the panel.
 11. The building element of claim 1, whereineach set of channels has three longitudinal channels.
 12. The buildingelement of claim 1, wherein the first set of channels is spaced from thesecond set of channels by a single web.
 13. The building element ofclaim 1, wherein each channel is “C” shaped in cross-section.
 14. Thebuilding element of claim 1, wherein the building element is aluminum.15. A building element comprising: a first set of channels and a secondset of channels, each channel in each set being adapted to receive acooperating means for mounting a panel or a bracket, characterized inthat the first set of channels is parallel to and spaced from the secondset of channels, wherein the bracket comprises a screw-threaded shaftand a sleeve therefor, the sleeve having at one end a cooperating meansadapted to be inserted in a channel of the building element, the channelhaving a first end and a second end, wherein the cooperating means isshaped so as to be capable of insertion in the channel at any locationbetween the first and second ends and capable of manipulation to aposition where the cooperating means cannot be withdrawn from thechannel except at the first or second end, and wherein screwing of thescrew-threaded shaft within the sleeve in a direction towards thechannel is adapted to lock the bracket in the channel.
 16. The buildingelement of claim 15, wherein each set of channels has three longitudinalchannels.
 17. The building element of claim 15, wherein the first set ofchannels is spaced from the second set of channels by a single web. 18.The building element of claim 15, wherein each channel is “C” shaped incross-section.
 19. The building element of claim 15, wherein thebuilding element is aluminum.
 20. A building element comprising: a firstset of channels and a second set of channels, each channel in each setbeing adapted to receive a cooperating means for mounting a panel or abracket, characterized in that the first set of channels is parallel toand spaced from the second set of channels, wherein the bracketcomprises a shaft having a first arm, the first arm having a first endand a second end, and a second arm, the second arm having a first endand a second end, forming an angle between them, the first arm having atone end a cooperating means adapted to be inserted in a channel of thebuilding element, the channel having a first end and a second end,wherein the cooperating means is shaped so as to be capable of insertionin the channel at any location between the first and second ends andcapable of manipulation to a position where the cooperating means cannotbe withdrawn from the channel except at the first or second end, andwherein the first arm is adapted to fit substantially within thechannel.
 21. The building element of claim 20, wherein each set ofchannels has three longitudinal channels.
 22. The building element ofclaim 20, wherein the first set of channels is spaced from the secondset of channels by a single web.
 23. The building element of claim 20,wherein each channel is “C” shaped in cross-section.
 24. The buildingelement of claim 20, wherein the building element is aluminum.
 25. Thebracket of claim 15, wherein the channel of the building element is “C”shaped in cross-section, except that it has a flat base and thecooperating means is generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape,except that one pair of opposing corners of the rectangle are cut off.26. The bracket of claim 15, wherein the channel of the building elementis “C” shaped in cross-section, except that it has a flat base and thecooperating means is generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape,except that one corner of the rectangle is rounded off.